Wheelchair basketball star Patrick Anderson honoured with a sign in his hometown

FERGUS – Fergus native and wheelchair basketball star Patrick Anderson came to town on May 20 to unveil a sign that was put up in his honour. The idea for the sign was prompted by three Elora Public School students who presented the idea to Centre Wellington council in February, found a donor for the signs (Print Factor Media in Fergus) and received unanimous approval from council.

Anderson, who was hit by a drunk driver when he was nine and lost his legs, entertained the small crowd that gathered for the unveiling with tales of growing up in Fergus.

He also thanked the community for the support he and his family were shown after his accident and ever since.

“I’m proud to be from here,” he said. “I will always love and cherish this place.”

On hand to unveil the sign, on St. David Street North by the Freshco parking lot, are, from left: Anderson, councillor Neil Dunsmore, Mya Hunt, Lily Brown and Mayor Kelly Linton (absent was a third student, Helena Kogen). A second sign was also erected on Tower Street near McQueen Boulevard on the south side of Fergus.